The UNAM Pumas will try to take the first step towards the Copa Libertadores quarter-finals of the Copa Libertadores of América when visiting Deportivo Táchira Tuesday at Polideportivo of Pueblo Nuevo Stadium.
Old acquaintances in the tournament, the Mexican and Venezuelan teams will meet after having played two matches in the group phase, which determined the Seven to enter the top 16 round.
Things will be different this time, because it’s a direct elimination, and only one will make the quarterfinals, so to take an early advantage in the “round” match, which starts at 8:15 p.m. local time, will be of vital importance.
Puma’s Manager Guillermo Vázquez will suffer a significant drop, as the Colombian Luis Quiñones, underwent medical tests and did not make the trip after suffering discomfort Friday when UNAM beat Tijuana 3-1.
After that result, the Pumas will face the shock of the Libertadores confident and motivated because they know they are favorites to advance in the continental tournament, still having options in the group phase of the Liga MX.
The South Americans, meanwhile, are riding a streak of 12 games without a defeat in the 2016 Aperatura of their country, the last match going 1-1 against Caracas FC in the “clásico nacional,” which gave rest to some players.
The black-and-gold club beat UNAM last March 9 when they played at home in the group phase, although they were thrashed 4-1 by the Pumas a week later in Mexico City.
The referee for this match will be the Bolivian Oscar Maldonado, who will be assisted by fellow compatriots Wilson Arellano and José Antelo.
According to the location of the teams, the winner of this elimination will play in the quarterfinals against the winner of the duel pitting Argentina’s River Plate and Independiente del Valle of Ecuador.
